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Dresden: Baroque splendor on the Elbe river
The capital of Saxony’s legendary baroque skyline was famously bombed out of existence during WWII, then neglected under a DDR regime that preferred rebuilding with dull concrete-box simplicity. Fortunately for us however, Dresden refused to roll over and die, and the past two decades have seen it rise like a phoenix from its own ashes.
A massive rebuilding programme has repaired its ancient architecture to its former glory. Add to that the fact many of its residents are young, energetic and forward-looking, it makes Dresden a vibrant place riding a wave of optimism into an exciting new future.
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Top 10 sights in Dresden

Frauenkirche
01067 Dresden
Germany
Tel: (0351) 6560 6100
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Opening times:
Daily 1000-1200 and 1300-1800 except during services
The Church of Our Lady is a superb example of baroque architecture, built between 1726 and 1743. Its dome was destroyed in 1945 and it was once the symbol of a bombed-out city, but it has now been restored to its former elegance.
Albertinum
01067 Dresden
Germany
Tel: (0351) 4914 2000
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Opening times:
Tue-Sun 1000-1800
The Albertinum is home to one of Dresden’s finest art collections, with countless priceless artworks and sculpture displayed across a series of galleries.
Residenzschloss
01067 Dresden
Germany
Tel: (0351) 4914 2000
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Opening times:
Wed-Mon 1000-1800
The city’s magnificent Renaissance royal palace was the home of the rulers of Saxony from 1485 to 1918, and now houses several world-class art collections.
Historic Green Vault
01067 Dresden
Germany
Tel: (0351) 4914 2000
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Opening times:
Wed-Mon 1000-1800
This unmissable annex of the royal palace contains around 3,000 precious artefacts each displayed in ‘traditional’ manner: on shelves and tables without glass protection. Therefore to enter you’ll have to pass through a special ‘dust lock’.
Zwinger
01067 Dresden
Germany
Tel: (0351) 491920
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Opening times:
Tue-Sun 1000-1800
Completed in 1719, this amazing baroque palace complex is in fact a series of six interconnected pavilions, built in a square around a peaceful courtyard filled with ornamental pools and lawns.
Old Masters Picture Gallery
01067 Dresden
Germany
Tel: (0351) 4914 2000
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Opening times:
Tue-Sun 1000-1800
The jewel in the crown of the Zwinger complex, the Old Masters Gallery contains an impressive collection of fine art.
Kreuzkirche
01067 Dresden
Germany
Tel: (0351) 439 3920
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Opening times:
Mon-Sat 1000-1800, Sun 1200-1800
The imposing Church of the Cross, dating from the 18th century, is one of the main landmarks on the Altmarkt, the Old Town market square.
Dresden Cathedral
01067 Dresden
Germany
Tel: (0351) 484 4712
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Opening times:
Mon, Tue 0900-1800
Wed, Thu 0900-1700
Fr 1300-1700
Sat 1000-1700
Sun 1200-1600
Also known officially as the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Dresden’s impressive centrepiece is the largest church in Saxony. The crypt contains the tombs of 49 rulers of Saxony.
Procession of Princes
01067 Dresden
Germany
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At 120m (394ft) long and containing 25,000 tiles, the world’s largest porcelain mural adorns the rear wall of Dresden Castle, and depicts a parade of 35 Saxony dukes and kings. It was originally etched into stucco in 1876, and was transferred to porcelain in 1907.
Grosser Garten
01219 Dresden
Germany
Tel: (0351) 445 6600
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A peaceful haven and a retreat from the hubbub of the city, Dresden’s largest central park also contains botanical gardens and a zoo.
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Country Information
Country overview
Once mockingly referred to as the “land of schnitzels and leather pants,” Germany has acquired a much more modern image in recent decades. International visitors are attracted to the big cities, especially the capital, Berlin. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, in particular, the city with its many cultural and entertainment attractions has become a major tourist destination. But other German cities also know how to celebrate and enjoy life.
Hamburg’s annual Hafengeburtstag port anniversary festival attracts around two million visitors every year, the Rhineland is famous for its carnivals, and Munich’s Oktoberfest is famous the world over.
Germany also has a variety of natural landscapes: for example, from the Wadden Sea and lowland plains of the northwest, the lakelands in the northeast of the country, numerous low mountain ranges and heathlands, to the central highlands and Alpine regions.
Geography
Germany borders Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Poland and Switzerland. The northwest has a coastline on the North Sea, while the Baltic coastline in the northeast stretches from the Danish to the Polish border.
The country is divided into 16 states (Bundesländer) and has an exceedingly varied landscape. In what was once known as West Germany, the Rhine, Bavaria and the Black Forest stand as the three most famous features, while in the east, the country is lake-studded with undulating lowlands.
River basins extend over a large percentage of the region, and some of Europe’s most prominent rivers flow through the country. These include the Elbe, the Danube and the Rhine.
The highest point in the country is the 2962m (9718ft) peak of Zugspitze Mountain in the Bavarian Alps. Cable cars run to the summit, which can also be climbed.
General Information
Key facts
Population: 82,79 million (2017)
Capital: Berlin.
Language
German is the official language. Regional dialects often differ markedly from standard German.
Currency
Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Electricity
230 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style round two-pin plugs are in use.
Public holidays
The public holidays for the January 2019 – December 2020 period are listed below.
Note:
* In catholic regions only
** Sachsen only
*** Not in all Laender (Bundesländer)
****Berlin only
2019
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2019
Epiphany: 6 January 2019*
International Women’s Day: 8 March 2019****
Good Friday: 19 April 2019
Easter Sunday: 21 April 2019
Easter Monday: 22 April 2019
Labour Day: 1 May 2019
Ascension Day: 30 May 2019
Whit Sunday: 9 June 2019
Whit Monday: 10 June 2019
Corpus Christi: 20 June 2019*
Assumption: 15 August 2019*
Day of German Unity: 3 October 2019
Day of Reformation: 31 October 2019***
All Saints’ Day: 1 November 2019*
Repentance Day: 21 November 2019**
Christmas: 25 and 26 December 2019
2020
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2020
Epiphany: 6 January 2020*
International Women’s Day: 8 March 2020****
Good Friday: 10 April 2020
Easter Sunday: 12 April 2020
Easter Monday: 13 April 2020
Labour Day: 1 May 2020
Ascension Day: 21 May 2020
Whit Sunday: 31 June 2020
Whit Monday: 1 June 2020
Corpus Christi: 21 June 2020*
Assumption: 15 August 2020*
Day of German Unity: 3 October 2020
Day of Reformation: 31 October 2020***
All Saints’ Day: 1 November 2020*
Repentance Day: 21 November 2020**
Christmas: 25 and 26 December 2020
All information subject to change.
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Getting around
Public Transport
An efficient network of buses and trams covers the whole city. Night buses operate on some routes. All services are operated by DVB (tel: (0351) 857 1011; www.dvb.de). Buy tickets as single fares, or four-journey or one-day passes. There are machines at tram and bus stops, and on board trams, and tickets can be bought from bus drivers.
Taxis
Taxis are a good-value option, but you cannot hail one in the street. Head for one of the many taxi ranks scattered across the city centre, or call for a cab through the taxi hotline (tel: (0351) 211 211). Tipping isn’t necessary.
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Nightlife in Dresden
Dresden’s nightlife covers the full spectrum, from lively old bars and cafés, through jazz and dance clubs, to one of the best opera houses in Germany.
Bar Paradox
01099 Dresden
Germany
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With chic décor and a host of inventive cocktails, this is the place to be seen sipping an aperitif.
Karl May Bar
01067 Dresden
Germany
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Classically styled upmarket cocktail bar inspired by New York’s legendary Oak Room.
Paulaner’s
01067 Dresden
Germany
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Popular city centre pub selling Munich-style beers, with a picturesque summer beer garden.
Arteum
01099 Dresden
Germany
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Able to accommodate 600, local clubbers will tell you this is the hottest place in town to dance the night away.
Semperoper
01067 Dresden
Germany
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With a host of operatic and ballet performances in grandiose surrounds, this is one of the finest opera houses in Europe.
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Restaurants in Dresden
In its DDR days, fine dining in Dresden was reserved for privileged party cadres. But the city has come a long way in the past 20 years.
There are now fine eateries catering to all budgets, although most serve local German fare.
Kastenmeiers
01067 Dresden
Germany
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Price: Expensive
Housed in the Kurländer Palais, this Michelin-starred option serves refined reinventions of German classics.
Bean & Beluga
01324 Dresden
Germany
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Price: Expensive
Elegant Michelin-starred place serving simple dishes masterfully presented using the finest ingredients.
Villandry
01099 Dresden / Neustadt
Germany
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Price: Moderate
Modern Mediterranean-Asian fusion cuisine served in stylish modern surrounds.
Curry & Co
01099 Dresden
Germany
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Price: Cheap
Local residents rave about this place for serving the best currywurst and fries in town.
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Calendar of events
Filmfest Dresden: International Short Film Festival
9 – 14 April 2019
Website
Venue: Various venues
Over 80 short films from up to 20 countries compete each year for the chance to take home a Golden Horsemen award (and prize money). Film buffs are treated to plenty of extra movies too, with over 200 to choose from, plus talks, workshops and exhibitions.
Dresden Music Festival (Dresdner Musikfestspiele)
16 May – 10 June 2019
Website
Venue: Various venues
Over 100 international soloists, orchestras, ensembles and choirs treat audiences to three weeks of world-class performances in this classical music festival. The programme takes a new theme each year, with past topics including Golden 20s, Empire, Heart of Europe and Russlandia.
Dresden International Dixieland Festival
19 – 26 May 2019
Website
Venue: Various venues
You might be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to New Orleans when Dixieland jazz, boogie and blues fills the streets of Dresden each May. Highlights include a brass band parade, riverboat shuffle (concerts aboard paddleboats) and finale open-air gala.
Bunte Republik Neustadt
June 2019
Website
Venue: Streets in the Neustadt district
In 1990, the Bunte Republik Neustadt declared itself an independent micronation, with Mickey Mouse emblazoned on its coat of arms and passports. Each June, crowds pack Neustadt’s streets and parks for three days of partying, live concerts, eating and drinking.
Elbhangfest
June 2019
Website
Venue: Along the River Elbe from the Blaues Wunder bridge to Pillnitz
A 7km (4.6-mile) stretch of the River Elbe is transformed into an outdoor fair and arts festival at the end of June. The celebrations kick off with a parade and continue with concerts, theatrical and dance shows, kids’ activities, art exhibitions, food and craft stalls, and local guided tours.
Film Nights (Filmnächte)
27 June – 25 August 2019
Website
Venue: River Elbe bank
Germany’s biggest open-air film festival sees over 3,000 cinematic fans flock to the banks of the River Elbe most nights throughout the summer to watch films on one of the world’s largest mobile screen (32m by 14m). Big-name international music artists hit the stage on select evenings.
Ostrale
July – October 2019
Website
Venue: Ostrale – Centre for contemporary art
Dresden’s biennial summer art festival is a showcase for an eclectic selection of international contemporary art. Photos, paintings, sculptures and video installations fill the cavernous former city abattoir and spill into a huge outdoor space too. Curious, quirky and shocking exhibits are all guaranteed. In 2018 the Ostrale will take place in Valletta.
Hechtfest
October 2019
Website
Venue: Hechtviertel district
Live bands playing everything from drum ‘n’ bass to ska to rock take to multiple stages in this intimate music festival in the Hechtviertel neighbourhood. Kids are welcome to join the party too, with heaps of family-friendly activities to keep tots occupied.
Dresden City Festival
16 – 18 August 2019
Website
Venue: Various venues in the city centre
Mid-August is a super time to visit Dresden, as over 1,000 artists perform across 13 venues and seven stages in a three-day summer festival. Fireworks, concerts, family activities, and craft and food stalls combine to create a first-class event. Best of all, it’s totally free.
Dresden Striezelmarkt
December 2019
Website
Venue: Altmarkt square
Germany’s oldest Christmas market is steeped in nearly 600 years of tradition. Highlights include the prune chimney sweep festival, stollen procession (featuring a giant stollen weighing several tons), election of the gingerbread princess, and children’s adventure land complete with elves’ cottages and baking lessons.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
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Hotels in Dresden
Dresden offers a wide range of accommodation options, from palatial retreats that have been pampering guests for decades, to good-value family-run bed and breakfasts.
There are some great deals to be had no matter what your budget or requirements.
Villa Weisser Hirsch
01324 Dresden
Germany
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Category: Expensive
Stylish villa offering pampered luxury in a quiet western suburb.
Taschenbergpalais Kempinski
01067 Dresden
Germany
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Category: Expensive
Palatial grand hotel offering old-world decadence with ultra-modern styling.
Motel One Palaisplatz
01097 Dresden
Germany
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Category: Moderate
Attractively designed modern hotel within easy striking distance of the sights.
Bülow Residenz
01097 Dresden
Germany
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Category: Moderate
Built in 1730, this place blends baroque charm and modern comforts while remaining surprisingly affordable.
Haus Königsbrücker
01099 Dresden-Sachsen
Germany
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Category: Cheap
Budget, fully equipped apartments in a quiet northern suburb.
Flight and accommodation
Best time to visit
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Climate and best time to visit Dresden
Dresden has a moderate continental climate, ideal for visiting at any time. The main tourist season lasts from May to October, when the weather is kindest – although it can be stifling hot in peak summer, and prices then are often higher to boot. Although there are fewer tourists and the weather is cooler during the other months – winter snow is not uncommon – seasonal festivities can make a low-season visit worthwhile. In December there is the city’s famous Stollen Festival, itself a part of Dresden’s annual Striezelmarkt – one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets.
Climate & best time to visit Germany
As with most European countries, Germany is a year-round destination but not especially dependable weather-wise. In general terms though, it’s temperate throughout the country with warm summers and cold winters – prolonged periods of frost or snow are rare. Rain falls throughout the year, with much of Germany experiencing its maximum rainfall over the summer months. So unpredictability is a major factor. The average daytime temperature in January is 3°C (38°F) and in July, 22°C (72°F). Extremes commonly reach -10°C (5°F) in winter and 35°C (95°F) in the summer months.
While Munich might be considerably further south than Berlin, the fact that the Bavarian capital is at a much higher altitude means the two cities have broadly comparable summers. The highest annual temperatures tend to be in the southwest, where there’s almost a Mediterranean feel to the landscape at times. Unsurprisingly, this is where much of Germany’s wine is grown.
May through to September are the most popular months in terms of tourist numbers, and they certainly hold the most appeal for visitors aiming to spend much of their time outdoors. However, the spring and fall shoulder seasons also hold real attractions for those who want the promise of decent weather without the tourist levels. The winter holidays are also a big draw in their way, due in no small part to their attendant Christmas markets. Peak season for ski areas is from December through to the end of March.
Away from the mountains, January through to April will appeal to those who enjoy the benefits of uncrowded attractions, although be aware that cities like Berlin rarely witness “slow” periods at any time of year. Prices tend to be slightly higher over the summer months. One other thing to bear in mind is that hotel rates can increase when big trade shows are in town (potentially a problem in Frankfurt, for example).
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Phone calls & Internet
Telephone
Country code:+49
Mobile telephony and Internet
Since June 2017, EU citizens traveling within the EU, and also in Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein have been able to use their cell phones and surf the Net without incurring any extra charges: In other words, customers pay the same price for phone calls, text messages and data volume as they do at home. Restrictions do apply to the constant use of SIM cards abroad, however, and caps may be set on data packages. For full details, contact your mobile telephony provider in your country. Travelers using a SIM card from a non-EU state do not benefit from the new arrangement.
Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots. When using public Wi-Fi networks, it is a wise precaution to ensure encryption of all passwords, credit card details and banking credentials entered. Use of a VPN app or security software to check the safety of a hotspot is recommended.
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Shopping in Dresden
Key Areas
Many central Dresden shops are dedicated to selling the fine porcelain for which the city is famous. The oldest manufacturing firm is Wehsener Porzellan. For other items, the city’s self-styled ‘classic shopping mile’ begins at the main station, passes along Prager Strasse, and ends in Wilsdruffer Strasse. The passages around Neumarkt contain a wide range of shops and boutiques. Königstrasse is known for its antique shops, while the trendiest fashion and jewellery outlets are located in the baroque quarter.
Markets
Dresden has several outdoor weekly markets where farmers come to sell their wares. The largest in the city centre is held on Fridays on Lingner-Allee. Throughout December there’s a large Christmas market on Altmarkt.
Shopping Centres
The Centrum-Galerie on Prager Strasse is home to 120 shops and restaurants spread over four levels. The nearby glass-covered Altmarkt-Galerie has over 100 individual shops on three levels.
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Traveller etiquette
Handshaking is customary in Germany, and it is considered rude to address people by their first name unless invited to do so. Normal courtesies should be observed. Before eating, it is normal to say “guten Appetit” to the other people at the table to which the correct reply is “danke, gleichfalls” (“Thank you, the same to you”). If you’ve been invited to eat at a German house, it is customary to present the hostess with unwrapped flowers (according to tradition, you should always give an uneven number, and it is worth noting that red roses are exclusively a lover’s gift).
In shops and other businesses, courtesy dictates that visitors should utter a greeting, such as “guten Tag” (or “grüß Gott” in Bavaria) before saying what it is that they want; to leave without saying “auf Wiedersehen” or “tschüss” can also cause offence.
Similarly, when making a telephone call, asking for the person you want to speak to without stating first who you are is impolite. Casual wear is widely acceptable, but more formal dress is required for some restaurants, the opera, theater, casinos and important social functions. Smoking is prohibited where notified, on public transportation and in most public buildings.
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Health
Main emergency number: 112
Food & Drink
There’s nothing to mark out German products as particularly risky to general health (although it has a partly founded reputation for being high in fat). Tap water is safe to drink.
Other Risks
Tick-borne encephalitis is present in forested areas of southern Germany; vaccination is advisable. Rabies is present; look out for ‘Tollwut’ signs. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered.
During the summer months, sunburn can be a problem. The southwest generally has the highest temperatures. The usual precautions apply: Use a generous amount of sunscreen and be sensible about how long you spend in direct sunlight. Be aware that a breezy day can sometimes mask high temperatures.
If walking over a long distance in warm weather, it’s advisable to drink – and carry – plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing, including a sun hat. Blisters can be another problem for hikers. These can often occur if new walking shoes are being worn over a long distance. Ideally, footwear should be worn in before the trip.
As a counterpoint to the balminess of the summer, German winters can be fairly severe. This is generally truer the further east you travel. If you’re arriving during the coldest months of the year, make sure you have adequate clothing. At any time of year, in fact, temperatures can be unpredictable – even in July and August it makes sense to have a sweater (and maybe an umbrella, too) to hand.
Other health problems that inexperienced travelers might reasonably encounter are the various knock-on effects of consuming too much alcohol. The risk, unsurprisingly, is particularly prevalent among those attending Munich’s Oktoberfest. Be aware that some beers have ABV levels of as much as 6 or 7% and should therefore be treated with respect.
Contractual physician of Lufthansa
Dr. Juschten, AndréKönigsbrücker Str. 68
01099 Dresden
Germany
Tel. +49-351-272-1110
Please note that Lufthansa accepts no responsibility for the treatment nor will it bear the cost of any treatment.
Flight and accommodation
Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.